CENTRE’S PLAN TO INCLUDE CASTE COUNT IN UPCOMING CENSUS: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

Introduction

The Government of India is considering a significant shift in its data collection strategy by potentially including caste enumeration in the next national Census. This development comes amidst increasing demands from various political parties, including the Indian National Congress and some allies within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The ongoing deliberations reflect a complex intersection of political, social, and logistical challenges, which have contributed to the indefinite delay of the Census, initially scheduled for 2021.

Source : The Hindu
Historical Context and Political Pressure:

  • Caste enumeration has been a contentious issue in India, given the country’s complex social fabric. The last official count of caste categories, beyond the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), occurred in the 1931 Census during British rule. Since then, India has not conducted a comprehensive caste count as part of its Census exercises. However, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government attempted a caste enumeration in 2011 through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), but the findings were never made public. The SECC data was later criticized by the government for being fraught with “mistakes and inaccuracies,” casting doubts on its reliability.
  • In recent years, the demand for a caste-based Census has intensified, driven by political parties seeking to address social justice and representation concerns. The Congress, along with other regional parties, has been vocal in pushing for this enumeration. This demand is one of the factors that have contributed to the indefinite delay in conducting the Census, which was initially scheduled for 2021.

Challenges in Caste Enumeration:

The inclusion of a caste column in the Census poses significant challenges. One major concern is the accuracy of the data. The 2011 SECC reportedly enumerated more than 46 lakh (4.6 million) caste names, sub-castes, and categories—a number exponentially higher than the 4,147 castes recorded in the 1931 Census. This discrepancy raises questions about the feasibility of conducting a reliable and accurate caste count in a country as diverse as India.

  • Moreover, any misstep in how caste data is collected or interpreted could lead to significant social and political repercussions. A top government source emphasized that any “wrong narrative” could disrupt the entire Census process, underscoring the sensitive nature of this undertaking.

Current Status of the Census:

  • The upcoming Census will be India’s first digital Census, marking a significant shift in data collection methods. Despite this technological advancement, the Census has faced repeated delays. Initially scheduled to be conducted in two phases—house listing and housing schedule in 2020, followed by population enumeration in 2021—the exercise was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The freeze on administrative boundaries, essential for accurate Census data, has been extended multiple times since 2019, with the latest deadline having lapsed on June 30, 2023.
  • Bihar’s recent caste census, conducted and published in 2023, offers a glimpse into the complexities and challenges of such an enumeration. The state’s exercise involved both offline and digital data collection methods, and enumerators were provided with a list of 215 caste categories. While Bihar’s experience might inform the national debate, it also highlights the logistical hurdles and potential inaccuracies that can arise in a nationwide caste count.

Historical Context of Caste Enumeration

Caste has been a defining feature of Indian society for centuries, influencing social stratification and access to resources. Despite its importance, independent India has largely refrained from conducting a caste-wise count in its national Census, with the exception of enumerating Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The last caste-based Census was conducted in 1931 during the British colonial period.

In 2011, under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, a Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted separately from the regular Census. However, the data from this exercise was never made public, allegedly due to errors and inconsistencies in the findings. In 2021, the Union government acknowledged these issues in a Supreme Court affidavit, stating that the SECC data could not be relied upon for policymaking, including reservations in education, employment, or elections. The total number of castes identified by the SECC exceeded 46 lakh (4.6 million), a figure deemed implausibly high, raising concerns about the accuracy and utility of the data.

Political Demands and the Census Delay

The ongoing delay in conducting the next Census, initially scheduled for 2021, has been attributed to multiple factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges. However, a significant factor contributing to the delay is the growing demand from political parties to include caste enumeration in the Census. Parties like the Congress have been vocal in their demands, arguing that a comprehensive caste count is essential for informed policymaking and ensuring social justice.

Caste has always been a sensitive and politically charged issue in India. While there is broad support for caste-based affirmative action, the precise enumeration of castes could potentially alter the balance of power and resource allocation in ways that might not align with the interests of all stakeholders. As a result, the government has been cautious in moving forward with such an initiative, aware that any misstep could lead to political and social unrest.

Technical and Logistical Challenges

Conducting a national Census in a country as diverse and populous as India is a monumental task under normal circumstances. The inclusion of caste enumeration adds another layer of complexity, given the potential for disputes over the classification and counting of various caste groups. The SECC of 2011 highlighted these challenges, as it revealed an exponential increase in the number of castes, many of which were likely duplicates or sub-castes.

To ensure accuracy and reliability, the government would need to develop a clear and consistent framework for identifying and classifying castes. This would involve extensive pre-testing and consultation with experts, community leaders, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the use of digital tools and data verification methods would be crucial to minimize errors and inconsistencies.

The upcoming Census is also expected to be the first digital Census in India’s history. This shift to digital data collection presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it could streamline the process and improve data accuracy. On the other hand, it requires significant investment in technology and training, especially in rural and remote areas where digital literacy and infrastructure may be limited.

Regional Variations and State-Level Initiatives

While the national Census has yet to include a caste count, some states have taken matters into their own hands. Bihar, for instance, conducted and published its own caste Census in 2023, becoming one of the first states to do so in recent times. The Bihar government collected data both offline and online, and the enumerators were provided with a list of 215 caste categories from which respondents could choose.

The success of Bihar’s caste Census has been cited by proponents of a national caste count as evidence that such an exercise is both feasible and necessary. However, it also underscores the regional variations in caste composition and the potential challenges of aggregating this data at a national level. Other states, such as Karnataka, have also commissioned caste censuses in the past, but these reports have not been made public, further complicating the debate.

Implications for Social Justice and Policy

The inclusion of caste enumeration in the Census could have far-reaching implications for social justice and policymaking in India. Accurate caste data is essential for assessing the effectiveness of affirmative action policies and ensuring that the benefits of such programs reach the intended beneficiaries. It could also provide a more nuanced understanding of social inequalities and help policymakers design targeted interventions to address them.

However, there are also concerns that caste enumeration could exacerbate social divisions and lead to the politicization of the Census process. Some critics argue that a caste count could reinforce caste identities and perpetuate social hierarchies, rather than promoting social cohesion. Others worry that the data could be manipulated for political gain, leading to skewed policies that favor certain groups over others.

The Road Ahead

As the government continues to deliberate on the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming Census, it faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, there is a clear demand for comprehensive caste data from various political and social groups. On the other hand, there are significant technical, logistical, and political challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that the data is accurate, reliable, and used responsibly.

The decision on whether to include caste in the Census will likely be influenced by a range of factors, including political considerations, expert advice, and public opinion. Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the next Census will be a pivotal moment in India’s ongoing efforts to address social inequalities and promote inclusive development.

Conclusion

The debate over caste enumeration in the Indian Census reflects broader tensions between the need for accurate data to inform social policies and the challenges of conducting such an exercise in a complex and diverse society. As the government weighs its options, it must carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of including caste in the Census, while also addressing the technical and logistical hurdles that lie ahead. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for India’s social fabric and its approach to governance in the years to come.